Real-Life Crucifixions Mark Good Friday In Philippines

Today is Good Friday, the day most Catholics mark Jesus’ march to the cross before His Easter resurrection — but some in the Philippines are reportedly staging real-life crucifixions to mark the Holy Day.

Most Catholics are familiar with the “Passion Play,” but the real-life crucifixions in Manila are morbid and intense even by Catholicism standards. RT.com reported upon the strange but long-standing practice of actually nailing people to crosses in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, saying:

“The act of mock-crucifixion has been practiced for decades in the Philippines, despite strong condemnations by the Catholic Church. The morbid celebrations take place in the city of San Fernando, 67 kilometers north of Manila, where the so-called ‘passion play’ is enacted every year.”

Not just one man, but eighteen submitted to the real-life crucifixions in Manila, and the tradition prevails despite official disapproval from the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

Father Francis Lucas, executive director of the Philippine bishops’ media office, explained:

“The bishops have been saying for a long time they disapprove of this. But people make such vows. They sacrifice themselves for others.”

Fr. Lucas added:

“We have so many crosses to bear in life. We don’t need to bear a real one.”

The Good Friday real-life crucifixions in the Philippines are not without consequence, however — of the 18 men that engaged in the controversial, self-flagellatory practice, at least two required immediate medical attention on the scene of the strange celebration alone.

In addition to the real-life crucifixion, some devout Catholics were reportedly witnessed whipping themselves in the street with bamboo sticks.